The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and a rapid transition to a green economy is vital. The EU has committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to a green economy, including by investing in renewable technologies and electric cars. However, some of these technologies use PFAS, including F-gases and fluoropolymers. Due to this expected growth in green technology, the PFAS emissions associated with this technology are also predicted to increase. However, a green transition that leads to further PFAS pollution cannot be called green. The green transition must happen without polluting our environment, bodies and wildlife with more toxic chemicals.
To explore the issue of the use of PFAS in green transition technologies, we researched the topic and published a FAQs briefing in 2024. And there was good news: various innovative companies were creating PFAS-free alternatives in green sectors such as lithium batteries, heat pumps, semiconductors, green hydrogen, solar panels and wind turbines. Within the last year, we have found that even more green companies have joined the movement towards creating a PFAS-free economy. Therefore, we have updated our FAQs briefing to highlight the rapid innovation of PFAS-free alternatives happening in the green sector.
Read our new, updated FAQs briefing for more information about which PFAS chemicals are used in which applications, the alternatives, and the costs of PFAS pollution.
Why do we need a comprehensive universal PFAS restriction?
There is growing scientific evidence showing that PFAS harm people, wildlife and the environment. This group of over ten thousand chemical compounds are practically indestructible; once they contaminate the environment, they will persist for generations to come. PFAS have been found all around the world, even in the most remote areas, such as the Arctic. Research is increasingly linking the most well-studied PFAS to certain cancers, developmental issues, immune system disruption, and other serious health conditions. To ensure regulatory coherence and lasting protection for both people and the environment, a strong and comprehensive uPFAS restriction with minimal derogations is needed.
Dr Shubhi Sharma, scientific researcher at CHEM Trust, said:
We know we must tackle climate change and PFAS pollution together, not address one by making the other worse. So it is really good news that within a year since we last looked into this issue, we are seeing more companies in the EU and across the world embrace the challenge of developing PFAS-free green technologies.
The EU can become a trailblazer in adopting and capitalising on these innovative technologies; boosting business growth and competitiveness whilst also protecting people and the environment from the climate and PFAS pollution crises.
